The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

Basically, we thought that we would not be able to leave the Demon King's place, but it seems that we can move more freely than we thought.

One of the reasons for this is the presence of Lord Farga here.

Since this was already Master Farga's territory, the Demon Lord could not do anything rash, and since Leona and Karon were waiting nearby, it gave me and my senpai time to move freely to some extent.

"I was surprised that Ferrum didn't come."

"I'm sure she's thinking in her own way."

The day after I arrived in Mearaq.

As I walk down the almost deserted street lined with identical buildings, I recall the conversation we had just had.

We decided to go outside during our free time to get a better idea of the surrounding buildings and the location of the building where we were staying, but Ferrum refused to go outside at that time.

<

Perhaps Ferm was just trying to look out for me.

Grateful for her concern, I walk down the nearly deserted street with Nair in owl form on my shoulder.

"It's a strange feeling to expand a city, isn't it?"

"It makes me wonder if there's a lake spreading out below us."

The place where you are walking now was on the water until recently.

The magic that makes possible the absurdity of expanding a city and building new structures on top of it is truly amazing.

The technology of the original world would never have been able to create such a structure so quickly.

"It's nice to be less popular. It doesn't look suspicious when I speak."

"Tomorrow or the next day, though, things will be different."

Tomorrow, the delegates from each country will arrive in earnest.

Many people from countries I know and from countries that exist far away will be there.

"......"

What worries me is the discrimination against subhumans.

We know that the Elves, the Beastmen, and the most likely to be hostile, the Demons, will participate in this meeting.

I'm not so worried about the demon tribe because they have a weak but dangerous man named the demon king, but I'm worried about the others.

"Don't you need to look around?"

"...... yeah."

"Why don't you relax your shoulders at least for a moment like this?"

Nair, on my shoulder, chides me.

It's important to take a break.

Then, let's go check out the training ground we've heard so much about!

What kind of a relaxed attitude is that?

A training ground I never thought I'd go to.

I can only go there at a time like this, so let's go see it while we still can.

There will be no one there now.

"My heart is so excited. ......!"

Your childish mind is funny. ...... Well, if you want to go, why not?"

It's a deal.

If that's the case, let's go straight to the training ground.

The land that has been added to Mearaq is quite large, so large that the entire training area could fit in it.

Moreover, it is located in the middle of a plot of land where many lodgings are built, so it is quite conspicuous.

......No, it's huge."

The area around the training site is surrounded by a wall as high as a small stadium, as if spectator seats are also provided.

"I guess they were trying to make it look good, right?　It looks like a facility for entertainment.

"It's like we're comparing our guards to each other, right?"

"I think there's going to be some show-offs."

I'd be afraid of that happening: .......

I'm worried that the demon king will get me and my senpai in a bad situation.

It seems that the door is open, so we step inside.

"Oh ......"

It is quite spacious when you enter.

The ground is well cleared and there is a target set up at the edge.

It seemed to be a perfect place for training, with wooden swords and other weapons for training.

"......I thought about it, there's no point in coming here, is there?　It's not like I'm allowed to use it without permission."

"Indeed, your position is that you can't force your way in here."

.......

Well, I got to see what I saw.

"I don't choose where I train, so ......"

"I don't want to understand, but because I've known you for so long, I understand the irrational ......"

I've been training to make the most of the place while I've been traveling.

In fact, it is rare to find a proper place to do it.

"---Hmm?"

As you look out over the training field from your seat in the audience, you suddenly feel someone's eyes on you from behind.

It is not a senior. ...... Who is it?

"What's wrong?　Usato?

Is there someone there?

As I call out to the entrance behind me, somewhat cautiously, a figure emerges from the end of the corridor.

When I was alarmed by the presence and appearance of someone I did not recognize, the figure rushed out to the light, holding up both hands in a panic.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to alarm you."

"You are ......."

A boy in a distinctive robe emerged.

As before, he is armed with a sword similar to a cutlass in a scabbard at his waist.

Looking at his neutral appearance and weapon, I recognize him as the boy I saw in the city yesterday.

I saw you yesterday, didn't I?　Do you remember?"

"Yes, I was in town yesterday. ...... Why are you here?"

Without letting my guard down, I start asking him why he is here.

"Yeah, I'm here because--"

As he was saying these words, he tried to walk up to me, but his foot got caught on a step and he fell down.

I run up to him and help him up.

"It's okay, it's okay. Don't worry!　I'm sorry!　I sometimes smell like a stinky ......!　I'm from the country!"

"I'm not mad, don't worry. Can you stand up?"

"Oh, yeah."

I help him to his feet, making sure he is not hurt.

As I help him up, I notice that his right hand, which he took when I helped him up, is covered with a bandage.

The bandage on his delicate hand, which does not look like he carries a sword, is soaked with blood.

"Is your hand hurt?"

"No, it's just ...... a fall. ......

"You didn't get hurt in a fall. ....... I'll use my healing magic to fix it, okay?"

"Uh-huh."

I don't know who this guy is, but he's hurt pretty bad.

We sit him down in one of the nearby bleachers and take off his bandages.

"Looks like he didn't get that from a fall."

"......"

He has several lacerations from the tips of his hands to just below his elbows.

I recognize these scars and call out to the boy who turns his face away from me awkwardly.

"Did you strengthen your system?"

"Do you know ......?"

"No, it's dangerous, okay?　You can't do that, because the outburst of magic will hurt you. If you're not careful, you may never work again.

I heal his wounds with healing magic under the gaze of Nair, who says, "What the hell are you talking about?

The wound healed quickly, as if it was a recent one, but for a ...... normal person, this injury must have been quite painful. If he had to endure it, it is not very commendable.

In the meantime, I will cast a healing spell on himself as well.

"Thank you. I didn't even tell you my name. ......"

"No problem."

I still find the boy suspicious, but as a healing magician I couldn't leave an injured person alone.

Well, it could be that he dared to approach me injured, but looking at him in front of me now, I don't think it was an act.

I put my hand over my mouth and ask Nair, who is standing on my shoulder.

"Nair, does it look like an act?"

"...... No."

If Nair says it's not an act, then it's certainly not an act.

I have a hunch ...... that he is, but he doesn't seem like a bad guy.

Usato, you know what I mean?

"...... you know not to let your guard down, don't you?"

I nodded to Nair who whispered in my ear and looked at him next to me.

He was rubbing his right arm, which had healed from the wound, when he spoke to me in a fearful tone.

I'm Shea. My name is Shea Garmio.　

"Uh, I'm ......"

"Usato," right?　USATO KEN. I know you well. You're a healing wizard of the Lingle Kingdom, a lifesaver, and the man who ...... ended the war against the Demon Lord."

"......"

Wait a minute, I'm honestly scared.

The fact that people know about me without my knowledge freaks me out.

"I know you look like you're wondering why, but you're a celebrity. I'd be surprised if they didn't know about you.

"No, I think senpai and Kazuki ...... two brave men are usually more famous than me ......."

"For me, it's not like that."

He sounds very serious.

Wait a minute, you know not only about me but also about the lifeguard squad...,

"In other words, prospective members ......?"

"What kind of idiot would voluntarily go to hell ......?"

Shea, who is on the opposite shoulder from me, taps me on the cheek with her wing as I mutter something like that.

My name will spread, and more people will want to join.

That has never happened since the end of the battle with the Demon King, but there is a possibility that it is about to happen right here ......?

"I'm traveling. I didn't know the confederation talks were going to happen here, so I was very surprised when I saw you."

"Oh, by the way, you were surprised."

"Yeah. I was just walking around, hoping to see you."

"Not too much of a plan, is it?"

It's amazing that you ran into me.

Are you naturally lucky or ......?

"Who the hell is this guy? ......"

But he doesn't seem like a bad guy."

I get down to business, conversing with Nair in a whisper.

He doesn't seem like a bad guy, but he's certainly approached me and I need to find out why.

"Why were you looking for me?"

"One reason is simply that I wanted to meet you. I fought against the Demon King, so I wanted to know what kind of person you are.

"One means there are others?"

"Yes."

He nodded his head, and for a moment his expression was troubled.

"Because I owe you, I guess."

"...... we've never met before, right?"

"Yeah, first time."

......What do you mean ......!

He smiles so happily that I can't help but be puzzled.

Is he the guy I saved?　No, I don't remember such a memorable person.

Could he be a relative of someone I helped as a lifeguard?　That's a strong possibility.

"Oh!　I forgot to tell you I'm a woman."

"...... eh?"

"Huh, I knew it. ......"

As I was puzzled and lost in thought, he piled on even more: ......!

What, you're a lie...... girl......?

Nair sighs in understanding, but it's a fact that I never expected.

"There you go."

Shea takes off the robe she has been wearing.

Just like that, she has changed from a boyish impression to a girl.

The reddish ......, or is it a mesh?

She looks away awkwardly as she touches her hair, which looks like a mixture of black and red hair, shyly.

"Of course, I knew that.

"Really?　Well, I'm used to it, so I don't mind."

"...... maybe I'll tell Leona later. ......"

I ignore Nea's disturbing mutterings.

No, you call me "I", so I guess you're a guy. ......!

The robe hides almost everything but his neck, so you'd be mistaken. ......!

"Besides, it's easier to travel alone when you're mistaken for a man."

"Really?"

"But I've only been on the road for about six months."

"I think it would be great if I were on my own."

Even the trip to deliver the letter took three months.

Six months is twice as long as that, so it's amazing at that point.

Why did you travel?

"...... Uh, I didn't set out on my own, I was driven by the ...... necessity."

"?"

Is there something going on?

I'm not sure if it's a good idea to make someone I met today tell me what's going on, so should I ask any more than that?

Then, somewhat flustered, she turned to face me as if to blatantly change the subject.

"Well, more importantly.... May I see your ...... basket hand?"

"By 'basket hand', do you mean this bracelet?"

Is that the bracelet?　But it doesn't look like a bracelet. ......

...... don't know about the basket hand thing?

I remember when I solved the Mearaq case, there was a sketch of me wearing a basket hand in the newspaper?　I heard from my senpai that my sketch with a basket hand was used in a newspaper when I solved a case in Mearaq.

Is that where you got this information?

"Do you know what this is?"

"I don't know much about it, but I know it's an amazing thing. I just wanted to touch it to commemorate ......."

"Memorial."

You sound like a tourist.

...... Well, I wouldn't mind at least showing it to you.

He gradually lets down his guard against Shea and shows her the basket hand on his right arm.

"This is ......"

"I've been fighting with you for a long time, and you're my partner."

The basket hand that I have relied on since Mearaq.

Master Farga made it for me, and there have been many times when I would have been in danger without it.

Fearfully touching her right arm, she gazes at it for a moment.

"......"

The time passes without her looking around, just looking at the basket hand.

After a minute or so.

I notice tears in her eyes as she looks at Kagote with an indescribable expression on her face.

"Shea?"

"......, I'm sorry."

What was there to cry about?

I know it's hard for me to say, but it's just a hard basket!

"I'm just so happy ...... thank you ...... thank you."

"Yeah. ......"

I get thanked repeatedly in tears.

The thank-you's that I don't understand only baffle me.

"Usato, he's in trouble, he's in trouble. He is too emotionally unstable. ......

As one would expect, even Nair seems to be taken aback by Shea's strange behavior.

I can't think of anyone else who could be so emotionally shaken by the mere sight of my basket hand. ...... No, I immediately thought of Senpai, but I'm surprised there was anyone else other than him.

"Have you calmed down?"

"Yeah,...... yeah, sorry. I'm ...... relieved."

"...... relieved?"

Shea stops crying but makes a meaningful comment.

This girl is carrying something.

I take a deep breath.

"...... okay."

I am aware that I am destined to attract people with problems.

I can't say that I have accepted it yet, but if she is having some big trouble, I should at least listen to her.

With this decision, I turn my head to face her.

I guessed that you are in some kind of trouble.

"What ......?"

"I don't know if there's anything I can do for you, but ...... would you like to talk about it?"

How about ......?

Shea looked at me nervously, and I asked him how he was doing. Shea looked at me in amazement and then looked down as if hesitating.

A moment of silence.

I wait for her to speak,

"...... You know, Usato. My magic is..."

<

"What!"

Shea is about to tell me something when I hear a familiar voice coming from the passageway she just came from.

I turn around at the sound of the voice and notice several footsteps approaching from the passageway.

"Kazuki?"

"Hey, ......, oh, you're really here."

"Amaco is right. ......"

I told you. I told you I'd be at the training grounds."

Kazuki, Frana and Amako came out.

I don't know why Amako is here, let alone Kazuki and Frana, but I am surprised that they are here.

"Kazuki, why are you here ......?

"I came to see you. I finally have some time to rest. I was looking for you when I heard you were out with your senpai.

"Where's Amaco?"

"Same as Kazuki. Kannagi accompanied him to the ...... inn, so he'll be fine."

So Amako had come to the inn the same way as Kazuki.

So you came to the inn with Mr. Nagi, and then you and Kazuki came looking for me.

Amako, who is wearing a hood to cover her ears, leans forward and tilts her head to look next to me.

"...... was there someone there?　I heard you talking."

"What?"

I turned around and saw that the spot where Shea had been sitting earlier was empty.

Even the blood-soaked bandage on her arm was gone, and when she looked around, she was nowhere to be seen.

"Shea ......?"

Usato, what's going on?

"There was a girl here just now. ......"

"When we came here, there was no one here but you guys, right?"

Frana's words left me scratching my head.

Yes, she was there.

The reduced amount of magic power tells us that, and more importantly, we have a witness, Nair.

"Did she give you a vision?"

"No, I was not. It would be almost impossible to hypnotize you.

"I'll tell you that much: ......"

Frana assured me.

If a magician of illusion says so, it's true, but I'm not convinced.

"If you were wrong, I'd trust you more than I trust my own perceptions, even if you were the only one hypnotized."

"Is that something I should be happy about ......?"

I can't help but feel that I was verbally and unspokenly called a monster.

While we were talking, Amako spoke to Neah.

Neah, what happened?

"Usato pulled me in again."

"...... huh ......"

That's one heck of a heavy sigh.

It saves me the trouble of explaining, but for me, it's a rather troublesome problem.

"Aren't you quick to guess ......!　What do you mean?

"Usato is a weirdo!"

"I don't understand what you mean!"

Frana is alone in her confusion.

---Shea, the unidentified girl.

Looking back, we knew little about her other than her name.

It seemed to me that she was intentionally hiding her identity, or that she was asking for my help.

I don't know who she is.

But I sensed a kind of danger in her that was different from the people I had been involved with.